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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Coarse sea salt, for garnish These ingredients create a rich and tasty cookie. The butter gives a soft texture, while the sugars add sweetness. The eggs help bind the dough, making it easy to shape. Vanilla extract brings depth to the flavor. The flour and baking soda give structure and lift to the cookies. Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. Cream cheese adds a creamy layer in the filling, while powdered sugar makes it sweet and smooth. Caramel sauce adds a special touch of sweetness, and coarse sea salt on top gives a nice salty kick. Gather these ingredients, and you'll be ready to make amazing cookies. Each component plays a key role in achieving that Crumbl-inspired taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line Baking Sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. - Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together one cup of softened butter, one cup of granulated sugar, and one cup of packed brown sugar. Mix until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step gives the cookies a nice texture. - Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in two large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition. Then add one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and mix until smooth. - Whisk Dry Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together three cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, and half a teaspoon of salt. - Fold Together: Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. - Beat Cream Cheese: In another bowl, beat one package of softened cream cheese until smooth. - Mix in Sugar and Caramel: Gradually add half a cup of powdered sugar and a quarter cup of caramel sauce. Mix until creamy and lump-free. - Scoop and Shape Dough: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to scoop about two tablespoons of cookie dough. Flatten it slightly. - Fill with Cheesecake Mixture: Add about one teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the dough and filling. - Bake Time and Temperature: Place the cookie balls on the lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should be set but still soft. - Drizzle with Caramel and Salt: Once baked, drizzle extra caramel sauce over each cookie. Sprinkle them with coarse sea salt for a sweet and salty finish. - Importance of Creaming: Creaming the butter with the sugars is key. It makes the cookies light and fluffy. Aim for a pale color and fluffy texture, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds air, which helps your cookies rise nicely. - Avoiding Overmixing: After adding the dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing makes cookies tough. Fold until just combined. This keeps them soft and chewy. - Adjusting Sweetness: You can change the sweetness by adjusting the sugars. If you want less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar. This makes the caramel flavor shine more. - Using Different Caramel Sauces: Try different caramel sauces for unique tastes. Homemade caramel gives a fresh touch, while store-bought is quick and easy. Each type adds a different flavor depth to your cookies. - Serving Ideas: Serve the cookies on a rustic wooden platter. This makes them look inviting and fun. Pair them with coffee or milk for a perfect treat. - Garnishing Tips: Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top before serving. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt for a balanced taste. For a fancy touch, add chocolate shavings. This elevates the overall look and flavor. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the cookie dough just until the ingredients are combined to prevent tough cookies. Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor and prevent spreading. Customize the Filling: Feel free to add chocolate chips or crushed nuts to the cheesecake filling for added texture and flavor. {{image_4}} - Chocolate Chip Add-ins: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a rich twist. They melt as the cookies bake, giving a gooey texture. You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips for variety. - Nut-based Options: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy bite. Nuts add flavor and texture, making each cookie even more delightful. - Gluten-free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. This makes the cookies safe for those with gluten issues. Ensure your blend has xanthan gum for proper texture. - Vegan Substitutions: Use vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version. Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. This keeps the cookies rich and tasty without animal products. - Seasonal Flavors: Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor. This works great for fall or winter holidays, giving your cookies a warm taste. - Festive Garnishes: Top your cookies with festive sprinkles or colored sugar for special occasions. You can also use crushed candy canes for a fun holiday twist. - Room Temperature Storage: After baking, let the cookies cool on a wire rack. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. These cookies will stay fresh for up to five days at room temperature. Make sure to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking. - Refrigeration Method: If you want to keep your cookies longer, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep moisture out. The cookies can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Just remember, they may become a bit firmer when chilled. - Freezing Dough vs. Baked: You can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. For cookie dough, scoop the dough balls onto a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime! Baked cookies can be frozen too. Just cool them completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. - Thawing Instructions: To thaw frozen dough, move it to the fridge overnight. For baked cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes. If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about five minutes. This will bring back that fresh-baked taste! Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and fill it with cheesecake. After shaping the cookies, you can freeze them for later. When you want to bake them, simply take them out and let them thaw. Bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if they are still cool. If you need a cream cheese substitute, try using ricotta cheese. Mascarpone also works well. Both give a creamy texture. You can also use Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Just remember that the flavor may differ slightly. Check the edges of the cookies. They should be lightly golden brown. The centers may look soft but should not be wet. If the edges are firm and the center looks set, your cookies are ready. Trust your instincts and keep an eye on them as they bake. Absolutely! Homemade caramel adds a special touch. Just make sure it is thick enough to hold its shape. If it is too runny, it may make the cookies soggy. Use your favorite recipe to whip up a batch, and enjoy the rich flavor it brings! These cookies blend rich flavors and textures, from creamy cheesecake to sweet caramel. You now know the key ingredients and step-by-step guide to make them. Remember the tips for texture and flavor, and feel free to explore variations. Store them well, and share with friends. Enjoy baking and tasting these delightful cookies!

Crumbl-Inspired Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Delicious cookies filled with creamy cheesecake and drizzled with caramel, offering a perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 18
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 0.25 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • to taste coarse sea salt, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow with the pure vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  • Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In another bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and caramel sauce until creamy.
  • Assemble Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly. Place about a teaspoon of the creamy cheesecake filling in the center and wrap the dough around it.
  • Bake: Arrange the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Garnish: Drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over each cookie and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  • Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the cookies on a rustic wooden platter. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt to enhance flavor.
Keyword caramel, cheesecake, cookies, dessert